Question 548 of 2,152

Policy-Based Routing (PBR) →hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

PBR set ip next-hop vs set ip default next-hop: Key Differences

This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of policy-based routing (pbr). Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.

Which TWO statements correctly describe the behavior of Policy-Based Routing (PBR) when using the 'set ip next-hop' and 'set ip default next-hop' commands? (Choose TWO.)

A
The 'set ip next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when the next-hop address is reachable; if unreachable, the packet is dropped unless a default route exists.
Correct. PBR with 'set ip next-hop' requires the next hop to be reachable; if not, the packet is forwarded using the routing table (if a default route exists) or dropped.
B
The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used to forward packets that match the route-map permit statement, regardless of whether a route exists in the routing table.
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'set ip default next-hop' is only applied when the routing table has no explicit route for the destination; if a route exists, the command is ignored.
C
The 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' feature uses ICMP echo requests to verify next-hop reachability before applying PBR.
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' uses CEF (Cisco Express Forwarding) adjacency information, not ICMP, to verify reachability.
D
When using 'set interface' in a PBR route map, the router forwards the packet out the specified interface without requiring a next-hop IP address, but the interface must be up/up.
Correct. 'set interface' can be used to forward packets out a specific interface; the next hop is resolved via ARP or the routing table, but the interface must be operational.
E
If a route map with 'set ip next-hop' is applied inbound on an interface, PBR processes only the first packet of a flow; subsequent packets use the routing table.
Why wrong: Incorrect. PBR processes every packet that matches the route map, not just the first; fast switching or CEF may cache the result, but the policy is applied per packet.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The correct answer involves understanding that 'set ip next-hop' forces traffic to a specified next hop regardless of the routing table, while 'set ip default next-hop' only applies when no explicit route exists in the routing table. This distinction is critical because PBR with 'set ip next-hop' will drop the packet if the next hop is unreachable and no default route is present, whereas 'set ip default next-hop' acts as a fallback, forwarding traffic only when the routing table lacks a match. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your ability to differentiate between overriding the routing table versus supplementing it, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a candidate must choose the correct command to avoid black-holing traffic. A common trap is confusing 'set ip default next-hop' with a default route—remember, it only kicks in when no explicit route exists, not when the next hop is down. Memory tip: think "next-hop forces, default-next-hop fills the gap."

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The 'set ip next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when the next-hop address is reachable; if unreachable, the packet is dropped unless a default route exists.

PBR uses route maps to override the routing table. The 'set ip next-hop' command is applied only if the packet matches the match criteria; if the next hop is unreachable, the packet is dropped (unless a default route exists). The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used only when the routing table has no explicit route for the destination. The 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' option tracks reachability using CEF. The 'set interface' command does not require a next-hop IP but can be used for directly connected networks.

Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✓
The 'set ip next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when the next-hop address is reachable; if unreachable, the packet is dropped unless a default route exists.
Why this is correct
Correct. PBR with 'set ip next-hop' requires the next hop to be reachable; if not, the packet is forwarded using the routing table (if a default route exists) or dropped.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used to forward packets that match the route-map permit statement, regardless of whether a route exists in the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'set ip default next-hop' is only applied when the routing table has no explicit route for the destination; if a route exists, the command is ignored.
✗
The 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' feature uses ICMP echo requests to verify next-hop reachability before applying PBR.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' uses CEF (Cisco Express Forwarding) adjacency information, not ICMP, to verify reachability.
✓
When using 'set interface' in a PBR route map, the router forwards the packet out the specified interface without requiring a next-hop IP address, but the interface must be up/up.
Why this is correct
Correct. 'set interface' can be used to forward packets out a specific interface; the next hop is resolved via ARP or the routing table, but the interface must be operational.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
If a route map with 'set ip next-hop' is applied inbound on an interface, PBR processes only the first packet of a flow; subsequent packets use the routing table.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. PBR processes every packet that matches the route map, not just the first; fast switching or CEF may cache the result, but the policy is applied per packet.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match

ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.

Trap categories for this question

Command / output trap
Incorrect. 'set ip default next-hop' is only applied when the routing table has no explicit route for the destination; if a route exists, the command is ignored.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.

KKey Concepts to Remember

Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.

TExam Day Tips

Check inbound versus outbound direction.
Read the ACL from top to bottom.
Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.

Key takeaway

ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 300-410 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 300-410 question test?

Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — This question tests Policy-Based Routing (PBR) — Standard ACLs match source addresses..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The 'set ip next-hop' command overrides the routing table only when the next-hop address is reachable; if unreachable, the packet is dropped unless a default route exists. — PBR uses route maps to override the routing table. The 'set ip next-hop' command is applied only if the packet matches the match criteria; if the next hop is unreachable, the packet is dropped (unless a default route exists). The 'set ip default next-hop' command is used only when the routing table has no explicit route for the destination. The 'set ip next-hop verify-availability' option tracks reachability using CEF. The 'set interface' command does not require a next-hop IP but can be used for directly connected networks.

What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Standard ACLs match source addresses.

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